Australians for Mental Health has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s decision to launch a Parliamentary Inquiry into the rising issue of loneliness across the state.

The inquiry, which will begin later this year, will examine the extent and causes of loneliness in the state, identify who is most at risk, and find possible steps to reduce the prevalence and impact.  

“We are facing an epidemic of loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection in our community and it is heartening to see the NSW government taking this issue seriously,” Australians for Mental Health Executive Director, Chris Gambian, said. 

“We need to understand that loneliness is an issue that can affect every Australian. From people living in remote areas to the inner city, from teenagers to retirees, we are increasingly disconnected and it's impacting our mental health.” 

Polls conducted by Australians for Mental Health have shown a steady increase in the number of people who feel lonely.  

March’s Mental Health Monitor found 34.7 percent of people felt they did not have enough connection in their lives, and felt lonely, compared to 31 percent who gave the same answer in November last year. 

Gambian stressed that the youth of Australia were once again shown to be most affected by loneliness with both the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, released earlier this month, and last year’s "Loneliness in Focus” report showing much higher rates of loneliness in younger people. 

“Report after report shows that the youth of our country are suffering,” Gambian said. “Loneliness is a serious issue that much like other issues is impacting them disproportionately.” 

Media contact: Simon Black at [email protected], or on 0420 488 219. 

About Australians for Mental Health: 

Australians for Mental Health is a national grassroots campaign organisation made up of thousands of members from across Australia who work together to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes by: 

• Challenging the policies, laws, attitudes and behaviours that fuel mental harm at every level of government; and 

• Reshaping Australia as a place where mental health can thrive.